🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Dates on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From £299. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be